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Enhanced atomic co-magnetometry for inertial sensing

Lead Research Organisation: University of Birmingham
Department Name: School of Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description Quantum science and technology devices exploiting collective spins in thermal gases are extremely
appealing due to their simplicity and robustness. This comes at the cost of dealing with the random
thermal motion of the atoms which is usually an uncontrolled source of decoherence and noise.
There are however conditions, for example when diffusing in a buffer gas, where thermal atoms can
occupy a discrete set of stable spatial modes. We have:
- studied diffusive modes in alkali atoms, individuating the conditions for signal-to-noise optimimation of an atomic magnetometer
- studied the dynamics of higher-order modes in presence of a gradient field, with the observation of a strong coupling regime between modes
- studied and characterized the main features of diffusive modes in noble gases, with the observation of a PT-symmetry breaking transition in presence of a light gradient in miniature cells
Exploitation Route Our funding will provide new powerful strategies for the optimization and stabilization of atomic magnetometers and gyroscopes, also in miniature cells.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

 
Description NPL Squeezing and fundamental physics 
Organisation National Physical Laboratory
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I have investigated non-linear effects leading to coherence transfer and spin-squeezing for achieving improved sensitivity in optically pumped atomic magnetometers.
Collaborator Contribution Partners have assisted with the experimental measurements and contributed with knowledge exchange.
Impact - Papers: R. Gartman, V. Guarrera, G. Bevilacqua, and W. Chalupczak, Phys. Rev. A 98, 061401(R) (2018) V. Guarrera, R. Gartman, G. Bevilacqua, G. Barontini, and W. Chalupczak, Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 033601 (2019) - Additional grant submissions: 1) UK-Space (2019) 2) STFC-EPSRC call for Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics (under consideration)
Start Year 2018